A former care home manager has been declared fit to continue working in the industry ... despite being found guilty of mocking an elderly dementia patient.

Karen Coates resigned from her post at Elderslie Care Home, in Fulbar Road, Paisley, after she was accused of unprofessional behaviour.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council has since upheld the allegations made against Mrs Coates – but has ruled there is no impairment to her fitness to work.

The charges, which were found to be proven by a NMC disciplinary panel, described how Mrs Coates frequently spoofed and pre-empted what one resident, who has dementia, was going to say.

Over the course of three months from July through to September 2011, the former unit manager also swore regularly while working at the BUPA-run home and was heard saying, “I need to get out of here, it is doing my head in”, while on duty and within earshot of residents.

Despite the healthcare regulator finding Mrs Coates guilty of each of the charges against her and reporting that they were satisfied each amounted to serious professional misconduct, the former prison nurse is being allowed to continue working in the care home sector.

Last night, bosses at the Age Scotland charity slammed the decision.

A spokesman told the Paisley Daily Express: “There is no excuse for anyone to mock or swear at vulnerable people who are in their care.

“Working in the care sector can be emotionally and mentally demanding. However, individuals who find themselves unable to respect the dignity of residents should seek time out.

“Employers must also support staff who are under pressure and, through training and clear policies, ensure that human rights are embedded in daily practice.”

In concluding their probe into the behaviour of Mrs Coates, the NMC reported that her misconduct fell “well below the standards expected of a registered nurse” but was “just short of the threshold of current impairment.”

Mrs Coates had denied the allegations throughout the hearing.

She claimed to have used foul language ‘to fit in’ and added that she had never used swear words whilst ‘on the floor’ at work.